Fire extinguishing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An automatic fire extinguishing apparatus in which a pyrotechnic wire or cord is stretched above the area to be protected, and leads to a fire extinguisher mounted adjacent the area to be protected. The fire extinguisher includes a propellant container operatively connected to the pyrotechnic cord and containing a suitable material adapted to generate gas pressure, plug means closing the propellant container and removable as a result of the burning of the pyrotechnic cord and an outer container having a propellant container mounted therein and containing a suitable fire extinguishing material such as carbon tetrachloride or sodium carbonate, the outer container also having a plurality of apertures oriented such that the entire area to be protected will be blanketed by the fire extinguishing material when the fire extinguishing material is forced through the apertures under pressure and frangible sealing means covering the apertures and adapted to rupture when the propellant applies sufficient pressure to the fire extinguishing material in the outer container. The extinguishing apparatus is particularly useful for Class B fires and is conveniently mounted in a range hood over a cooking range, beneath the hood of an automobile, as an ornament at the top of a Christmas tree, in a laboratory hood over a laboratory bench or as a self-contained unit above a furnace, an air conditioning motor or the like.

United States Patent [1 1 Dunn [ Nov. 20, 1973 FIRE EXTINGUISHINGAPPARATUS [76] Inventor: Byron G. Dunn, 6831 Orchid Ln.,

Dallas, Tex.

[22] Filed: Apr. 5, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 131,333

[52] US. Cl. 169/26, 169/31 P, 169/33 [51] Int. Cl. A62c 13/26 [58]Field of Search 169/2 R, 2 A, 26, 169/28, 31 R, 31 P, 33

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,317,507 9/1919 Kopf 169/332,723,722 11/1955 Hicks 169/26 2,754,913 7/1956 McFarlin 169/283,401,750 9/1968 Larsen 169/28 X 576,026 1/1897 Bunker et al. 169/282,417,374 3/1947 Morton 169/26 2,674,324 4 1954 Mascarini.. 1691262,822,877 2/1958 Post 169/28 3,132,695 5/1964 Peltier 169/26 3,583,4916/1971 Lindeberg 169/33 X Primary Examiner -M. Henson Wood, Jr.Assistant ExaminerMichael Y. Mar Attorney-Charles F. Steininger [57]ABSTRACT An automatic fire extinguishing apparatus in which apyrotechnic wire or cord is stretched above the area to be protected,and leads to a fire extinguisher mounted adjacent the area to beprotected. The fire extinguisher includes a propellant containeroperatively connected to the pyrotechnic cord and containing a suitablematerial adapted to generate gas pressure, plug means closing thepropellant container and removable as a result of the burning of thepyrotechnic cord and an outer container having a propellant containermounted therein and containing a suitable fire extinguishing materialsuch as carbon tetrachloride or sodium carbonate, the outer containeralso having a plurality of apertures oriented such that the entire areato be protected will be blanketed by the fire extinguishing materialwhen the fire extinguishing material is forced through the aperturesunder pressure and frangible sealing means covering the apertures andadapted to rupture when the propellant applies sufi'lcient pressure tothe fire extinguishing material in the outer container, Theextinguishing apparatus is particularly useful for Class B fires and isconveniently mounted in a range hood over a cooking range, beneath thehood of an automobile, as an ornament at the top of a Christmas tree, ina laboratory hood over a laboratory bench or as a self-contained unitabove a furnace, an air conditioning motor or the like.

51 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures INVENTOR BYRON G. DUNN SHEET 10? 5PATENTEU NOV 2 0 I975 ATTORNEY PAnENIEnuuvm 1975 3773.111 sum 2 0; 5

INVENTOR BYRON G. DUNN BY Z 42 ATTORNEY PAIENIEUuuvzo I975 SHEET 3 0F 5HGJS INVENTOR BYRON G. DUNN BY iz Me ATTORNEY PAIENIEDnnvzo I975 SHEET u0F 5 3,773.11 1

FICLQ INVENTOR BYRON G. DUNN ATTORNEY PAIENIEUNOv20 191s SHEET 5 or 53773.1 1 l FIG.I4

I66 Q I82 168 FIGJ5 E210 208 H 64 6 INVENTOR BYRON G. DUNN ATTORNEY FIREEXTINGUISHING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The presentinvention relates to an automatic fire extinguisher actuatable by aflame as opposed to heat. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a fire extinguishing apparatus suitable for use inextinguishing Class B fires, particularly as a part of a hood over acooking range or the like.

While a large number of fire extinguishers and fire extinguishingsystems have been developed and are available on the market, numerousproblems arise in connection with such fire extinguishers and fireextinguishing systems. Numerous problems are encountered in theoperation of such devices and in their usefulness, particularly forClass B fires in oils, greases, flammable liquids, etc. where blanketingor smothering by the extinguishing agent is of greatest importance. Alarge number of portable fire extinguishers have been designed forextinguishing fires primarily at their inception and before the fire hasa chance to develop into a large conflagration. These extinguishers havenumerous drawbacks in use. First of all, they are not automatic and mustbe operated by hand in some fashion or another. The requirement of handoperation causes considerable delay in extinguishing the fire to theextent that the operator is usually not familiar with the operation andusually must read the directions attached to the extinguisher beforeuse. Also, because of unfamiliarity with the operation of the device,the operator usually completely misses the area of the fire by pointingthe nozzle in the wrong direction and thereby wastes a substantialamount of the extinguishing agent as well as wasting further valuabletime. In addition, such portable extinguishers are not permanentlylocated at the area to be protected and usually, they are in the wrongplace when needed.

Automatic fire extinguishing systems have also been developed, but suchsystems are expensive to purchase and install, they are often unsightly,and they are adapted for use where heat, rather than a flame, willactuate the device. The last drawback of such automatic systems stemsfrom the fact that these systems are actuated as a result of heat alongmelting a fusible plug or link to actuate the system. As a result, suchsystems cannot be utilized in areas where considerable heat isgenerated, such as, above a cooking range, above a laboratory bench,adjacent an automobile engine or in the vicinity of a furnace or a motorwhich generates considerable heat. Therefore, at the present time, therehas been no practical means suggested for protecting areas whereconsiderable heat is generated and particularly, above cooking ranges.While no automatic system is presently available on the market for usein conjunction with cooking ranges, it is a known fact that the vastmajority of home fires are caused by Class B fires from cooking-rangesand the like. This problem is further exaggerated where a hood ismounted above a cooking range or the like, and the hood is vented. Whena fire occurs on a cooking range, the flames will usually rise throughthe vent and spread the fire to the roof of the building or elsewhere.When such vented hoods also have an exhaust fan, the exhaust fanaccelerates the spreading of the fire. Even beyond this, in many areas,such vents are not even extended through the roof of the building butterminate in an attic area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a fireextinguishing apparatus having an outer container with a suitable fireextinguishing agent disposed therein, a plurality of apertures orientedso as to blanket the area to be protected with fire extinguishing agentwhen pressure is applied thereto and cover means covering the aperturesand adapted to fracture when pressure is applied to the fireextinguishing agent; a propellant container mounted within the firstcontainer and adapted to apply gas pressure to the fire extinguishingagent, and a closure means in said propellant container adapted to beactuated by flame from a pyrotechnic cord to thereby release gas underpressure into the outer container; and a pyrotechnic cord operativelyconnected to the closure means and leading from said closure means andsaid extinguisher across and above the area to be protected.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simpleand economical fire extinguishing apparatus. A further object of thepresent invention is to provide a fire extinguishing apparatus inconjunction with a cooking range hood or the like. A still furtherobject of the present invention is to provide an automatic fireextinguishing apparatus which will not be actuated by heat but, instead,by flame. These, and other objects and advantages, will be apparent fromthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows in outline form a cooking range and a hood mounted abovethe cooking range having the fire extinguishing apparatus mountedtherein;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the hood of FIG. 1 with the burners of therange in outline form superimposed thereon;

FIG. 3 shows the apparatus of the present invention mounted in anautomobile hood;

FIG. 4 shows a self-contained extinguisher apparatus in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 5 shows the extinguisher of the present invention in use as aChristmas tree ornament;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the Christmas tree ornament of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the base of the ornament of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a detailed view, partially in section, of the propellantcontainer and the fire extinguishing container of present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a bracket for suitably mounting the extinguisher of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 shows a propellant chamber and means for actuating thepropellant container;

FIG. 11 shows another form of propellant container and means foractuating the same;

FIG. 12 shows still another form of propellant container and means foractuating the same;

FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of a propellant container and meansfor actuating the same;

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 show still other modifications of the extinguisherof this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 of the drawings showsthe conventional cook ing range having burners 12 on its upper surface.Mounted above range 10 is range hood l4. Mounted within hood 14 is afilter unit 16 usually provided with a fan and connected to anappropriate vent to the outside such as vent pipe 18. Detachably coupledto filter 16, for example, by means of the bracket of FIG. 9, areextinguisher units 20. While the system being described shows 2extinguisher units 20 mounted on either side of filter 16, obviously, asingle extinguishing unit may be utilized and the units or unit may bemounted at any convenient place in the hood, for example, in the frontor back of the hood and either attached to the hood it self or to thefilter unit or a frame of the hood or filter unit. The only requirementso far as the location and number of extinguishing units is concerned isthat the apertures in the unit be oriented and angled such that the fireextinguishing agent will blanket the area of the range to be protectedwhen the extinguishing unit is actuated. This will be explained infurther detail hereinafter. FIG. 2 of the drawings shows a bottom viewof the hood M with the location of the range burners 12 superimposedthereon so that the arrangement of the cordeau detonant 22 is locatedwith respect to the burners 12. It will be observed from FIG. 2 that thecordeau detonant is stretched across hood 14 immediately above theburners 12 of range 10. Thus, to the extent that a fire occurs in afrying pan or the like on one of the burners E2, the flame will contactcordeau detonants 22, ignite the detonant and actuate the extinguisherunit 20. The cordeau detonants 22 are, of course, Operatively coupled toextinguisher units 20.

The cordeau detonant should be selected on the basis of the Conditionsto which it is selected. However, the primary requirement is that thecordeau detonant should not be spontaneously ignited by heat alone butwill be ignited when a flame strikes it and will burn rapidly. Thecordeau detonant may take the form of an organic filament such ascotton, rayon, silk, etc. or a synthetic filament such as nylon (linearpolyamide), orlon (linear polyester), dacron (linear polyacrylonitrile),etc. Under certain circumstances, however, such organic filaments maynot burn rapidly enough to satisfy the requirements of use. Accordingly,the cordeau detonant may be a conventional blasting fuse, such as,cordite. Preferably, however, the blasting or explosive fuse is a wiretype fuse, such as, magnesium ribbon, PYRO FUSE", manufactured byPYROFUSE Company of Mount Vernon, New York and which is a braided wiretype fuse. Wire type fuses are preferred for their greater strength andrigidity so that may be tightly stretched across the area to beprotected and may readily wound about one another and about hooks orbrackets in an installation such as a range hood.

FIG. 3 of the drawings shows the extinguisher apparatus of the presentinvention mounted on the bottom of a hood 24 of an automobile.Extinguisher units 26 are detachably mounted on the bottom of the hood24. The apertures on the bottom are oriented such that the twoextinguishers 26 will blanket the entire engine compartment of theautomobile and they are also shown as mounted on either side of theengine as a matter of space convenience. Coupled to the automobile hoodand stretched across the hood are cordeau detonants 28. Cordeaudetonants 28 are, of course, operatively connected to extinguisher units26. Obviously, cordeau detonants 28 should be detachably mounted so thatthey can be replaced when necessary. It is also obvious that the cordeaudetonants may take any suitable configuration, such as that shown inFIG. 3, or a criss-cross mesh-type pattern.

FIG. 4 of the drawings shows a self-contained extinguishing apparatus inaccordance with the present invention which may be conveniently mountedabove a furnace, or above a motor or compressor of an airconditioningsystem or other location where spontaneous fires generally originate.The apparatus of FIG. 4 comprises a box type frame structure 30 having atop 32 and sides 34. Mounted against top 32 is extinguisher unit 36.Operatively coupled to extinguisher unit 36 and stretched across theframe 30 is cordeau detonant 38. As previously indicated, the cordeaudetonant may be stretched across the area to be protected in any desiredconfiguration which will accomplish the desired result. Similarly,extinguishing unit 36 may have any particular configuration so far asits body it concerned and any particular configuration of apertures, theprimary requisite being that when extinguishing agent is forced underpressure out of the apertures, the entire area to be protected will beblanketed by the extinguishing agent.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show the extinguishing apparatus of the presentinvention for use in extinguishing a fire in a Christmas tree 40. Inthis particular installation, the extinguishing unit 42 may be a treeornament, such as, an angel at the top of the tree or the like. Thecordeau detonant of the apparatus can then take the form of decorativetinsel 44 which is draped about the Christrnass tree as shown in FIG. 5.As shown in FIGS. ti and 7, the bottom of the ornament is preferably abellshaped bottom 46 with an arrangement of apertures such that theentire tree will be blanketed by the expelled extinguishing agent.

FIG. 8 of the drawings shows in greater detail a typical extinguishingunit 48 in accordance with the present invention. Extinguishing unit 48includes an outer container 50 provided with appropriately located andangled apertures 52. The primary requisite of outer container 50 is thatit be constructed to contain an appropriate fire extinguishing agent 54.As previously indicated, the shape or configuration of outer container50 may be selected for availability of space, location, the area to beprotected and other factors. The configuration will be related in somemanner to the adaptability of the configuration to have properlyoriented and spaced apertures 52. As previously indicated, the primaryconsideration and the shape of the container 50 and the location andnumber of the apertures 52 is that the entire area to be protected bythe extinguisher be blanketed when the fire extinguishing agent 54 isforced out apertures 52 under pressure. It should, however, be clearlynoted at this point that before actuation of the extinguisher,extinguishing material 54 is not under pressure. Therefore, container 50may be made of an economical light material, the only criterion beingthat it be capable of containing without leakage, etc. the fireextinguishing agent 54. Accordingly, since fire extinguishing material54 is not under pressure until actuated, apertures 54 may be closed byfrangible discs 5s. Frangible discs 56 are selected such that they willrupture, thereby opening apertures 52 when pressure is placed on fireextinguishing 54. Accordingly, frangible discs 56 may be made of a verythin foil soldered or otherwise attached over apertures 52 and they needonly have sufficient strength to retain fire extinguishing agent 54 incontainer 50 until pressure is applied to the fire extinguishingmaterial. Obviously, frangible discs 56 will fracture or burst at apressure substantially lower than the pressure which can be maintainedby container 50.

Fire extinguishing agent 54 may take a variety of forms. However, in thepreferred embodiments, fire extinguishing agent 54 is a suitable solidmaterial in powder or dust form. For example, a desirable agent issodium bicarbonate mixed with a suitable desiccant adapted to increaseflowability and moisture resistivity. An agent often used as a desiccantalong with sodium bicarbonate is magnesium stearate. Other suitablesolid extinguishing agents include potassium bicarbonate, useful forClass B fires, and mono and di ammonium phosphate, useful for Class A,B, and C fires. Other suitable desiccants include, silica gel,diatomaceous earth, calcium chloride, etc.

While, in most instances, particularly for Class B fires, a dry powderform of extinguishing agent is preferred, it is also possible to utilizeliquid type extinguishing agents. A prime example is carbontetrachloride which is easily volatilized and forms a heavy,noncombustible vapor which displaces air and smothers the fire. Carbontetrachloride is effective in Class A, B and C fires. Other suitableliquid extinguishing agents include, a calcium chloride solution,perchloroethylene, bromochloromethane, methyl bromide, etc.

Returning to FIG. 8, mounted within fire extinguishing agent container50 is propellant container 58. Propellant container 58 may be chargedwith any suitable gas generating agent, such as, nitrogen, carbondioxide, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, etc. The developed pressure will, ofcourse, depend upon the amount of extinguishing material 54 and the sizeof the extinguishing unit. However, generally about 25 to 350 psipressure will be adequate. Propellant within propellant container 58 canalso include a solid material which will burn rapidly to generate gaspressure. Such materials include, phosphorus sesquisulfide, redphosphorus, magnesium filings mixed with powdered potassium chlorate,potassium nitrate mixed with carbon and sulfur or other pyrotechnicsolids. Propellant container 58 is sealed in accordance with FIG. 8 witha quantity of the cordeau detonant forming a plug 60. The cordeaudetonant which is stretched across the area to be protected is attachedto the plug 60, as shown by cordeau detonant element 62. Cordeaudetonant 62 then leads through container 50 to the outside and isconnected to the cordeau detonant stretched across the area to beprotected.

In the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 8, the cordeau detonantstretched across the area to be protected is ignited by the flame of thefire. The cordeau detonant then burns out the cordeau detonant plug 64)releasing the pressurized gas or igniting the gas generating solid. Thegas then applies pressure to the fire extinguishing agent 54 incontainer 50, and this pressure ruptures frangible discs 56 and theextinguishing agent 54 is then sprayed through apertures 52 to blanketthe protected area.

It is also possible in a structure such as shown in FIG. 8 to place twomaterials in containers 50 and 53 which when mixed will generate gaspressure and also expel the material in container 50. For example, astrong acid, such as sulfuric acid, may be placed in container 58 and acarbonate, such as sodium carbonate, may be placed in container 50.

FIG. 9 of the drawings illustrates a simple bracket by which theextinguishing unit may be removably attached to, for example, the filterof the range hood of FIGS. 1 and 2. This bracket comprises a basebracket 64 which would be fixedly attached to the range hood. Basebracket 64 has turned over edges 66 which form appropriate slots.Attached to fire extinguishing unit is mating bracket 68. Mating bracket68 may be suitably attached to the fire extinguishing unit by means ofwelding 70 or other appropriate means. The center section of bracketportion 68 consists of a raised portion 72. Slide portions 74 are thenformed to slide within the channels of turned over portions 66 of basebracket 64. When utilizing a removable attachment such as that of FIG.9, the extinguishing unit may be readily removed for recharging orreplacement.

Various means, other than that previously described in connection withFIG. 8, may be utilized for opening the propellant container to releasethe propellant material. For example, in FIG. 10, the propellantcartridge 76 is attached to the outer container of the extinguisher unit78. Propellant container 76 is sealed with a thin, frangible disc 80.Welded or otherwise attached to propellant container 78 and extendingover the neck of the propellant chamber is a cylindrical or tube typesupport structure 82. Support structure 82 has formed therein, apertures84 through which the propellant may escape into chamber 78. Mountedwithin support structure 82 is a piercing spear 86 with a sharp pointadapted to puncture the disc 80. The puncturing spear 86 isspring-loaded by means of a spring 88 which rests against shoulder 90 ofspear 86 and retaining ring 92 of support chamber 82. Spear 86 is heldwith spring 88 in tension by means of cordeau detonant 94 which passesthrough outer container '78, support tube 82, thence through spear 86and is then fixedly attached to the center of support tube 82. When thecordeau detonant 94 burns, the spear is released, and the spring forcesthe spear to puncture disc 80.

FIG. llll shows still another means of releasing propellant from thepropellant container. In this instance, propellant container 96 issealed with a small, explosive charge 98. When cordeau detonant 100burns, it sets off the explosive cap $8, thereby opening container 96.

Still another method of releasing propellant from the propellantcontainer is shown in FIG. 12. In accordance with FIG. 12, thepropellant container 102 is provided with appropriate holes 1 on theside of its neck. In sealing engagement over the neck of container m2and over the holes 104 is a suitable cordeau detonant or readilyflammable material 1%. In this instance, when the cordeau detonant E08burns, it will also burn off the covering lilbpnd propellant will bereleased through apertures Hi2.

FIG. 1 .3 shows still another configuration of propellant chamber andmeans for releasing propellant from the propellant chamber. Inaccordance with FIG. 13, propellant chamber is mounted inside fireextinguishing agent container 112. Propellant chamber l W is providedwith appropriate apertures 114 covered by frangible discs 1116.Propellant chamber 110 is separated into two sections, 1 18 and 120, bymeans of a thin membrane 122. Two chemical materials which will reactrapidly and generate gas pressure are disposed in sections 1.18 and ofthe propellant chamber 110,

for example, sulfuric acid and sodium carbonate. Mounted above membrane122 is a puncturing spear 124. Puncturing spear 12$ extends through thetop of propellant chamber 111) and into housing 126 mounted on top ofthe outer container 112. A spring 128, under compression betweenshoulder 1311 of spear 124 and the wall of propellant chamber 1 lliLisheld in tension by means of a latch system mounted in the housing 126.Spear 124 is held in its upper position by means of protrusion 132forming a part of spear 124 and latch 1341. Latch 134 is pivotallymounted on post 136 by means of pivot 138. Latch 134 is held in itshorizontal position, thus holding spear 124 in its uppermost position bymeans of a cordeau detonant link or flammable link 140. Connected tolink 1411 is cordeau detonant 1&2 which then extends, and is connectedto, the cordeau detonant stretched across the area to be protected. Inoperation, the cordeau detonant 142 burns burning link 140. Latch 134then pivots, releasing spear 124 and the spring 128 drives spear 124through membrane 122. This, then, mixes the two chemicals in sections118 and 120 of propellant chamber 110, generating gas pressure whichruptures frangible discs 116, releasing the gas into outer chamber 112to propel the tire extinguishing agent from container 112.

FIG. 14 shows still another variation of an extinguisher in accordancewith the present invention. In accordance with FIG. 14, the extinguishercomprises an outer container 144 filled with an appropriate fireextinguishing agent, such as powder 146. Mounted within container 144 isfree-floating piston 148. Piston 148 may be provided with an appropriateguide sleeve 150 or similar spaced guide legs adapted to guide piston148 along container 144. In accordance with FIG. 1%, the propellantmeans includes pressurized container 152 filled with an appropriatepressurized gas or the like. Piston 148 and pressurized cylinder 152make up the entire propellant means in this embodiment. Pressurecylinder 152 is closed with a cordeau detonant plug d. Cordeau detonantplug 154 is operatively connected to cordeau detonant 156 which isstretched across the area to be protected. Formed as a part of container144 or attached thereto and in open communication therewith isdistributing means 158. Distributing means 158 may, as shown, take theform of the distributing head as shown having appropriate apertures 160therein. Apertures 160 of distributing means 158 are normally closed bya pressure-fit cap 162. Obviously, frangible discs, such as thosepreviously described, can be utilized to close apertures 160 if desired. In operation, cordeau detonant 156 is ignited when a fire in thearea protected touches the cordeau detonant. Cordeau detonant 156, inturn, burns the cordeau detonant plug 15d releasing the pressurized gasfrom cylinder 152. The released gas forces piston 148 to the leftdeveloping pressure on the fire extinguishing agent 146. The pressure onthe fire extinguishing agent 146 forces cap 162 off distributor means158 and also forces fire extinguishing agent 1146 through apertures 160of distributing head 158.

FIG. 15 shows still another modification similar to that of FIG. 14.Specifically, outer container 164 contains fire extinguishing agent 166.Mounted within outer container 164 is piston 168. Piston 168 is mountedon cylindrical rod 170 which is attached to outer container 16d ateither end. Rod 1'71) acts as a guide for piston 168 and, for thispurpose, piston 168 may carry guide sleeve 172. However, it should benoted here that piston 168 may contain a guide sleeve such as that shownin FIG. 14 or guide legs as previously mentioned. In addition to piston168, the propel lant means includes spring 178 which is held undertension behind piston 168. Under normal conditions, piston 168 is heldin the position shown in the Figure by means of cordeau detonant pin18!]. Cordeau detonant pin 180 is operatively attached to cordeaudetonant 182 which leads outside container 164 and is stretched acrossthe area to be protected. Formed as a part of container 164 or attachedthereto is distributing means 1811. Distributing means 180 has formedtherein appropriate apertures 182. Mounted within container 16$,andclosing the inlet to distributor means 180 is frangible disc 184. Inoperation, cordeau detonant 182 is ignited and burns out cordeaudetonant plug 181 The tension on spring 173 is then released forcingpiston 168 to the left as shown in the drawing. Piston 168 appliessufficient pressure to fire extinguishing agent 166 to rupture frangibledisc 184 and disperse fire extinguishing agent 16o through the apertures182 of distributing head 180.

FIG. 16 shows still another embodiment similar to that of FIG. 15. Inaccordance with FIG. 16, an outer container 188 is filled with anappropriate fire extinguishing agent 1%. Mounted within outer container190 is piston 192 provided with guide legs 194. Piston 192 is mounted oncylindrical guide rod 196 which, in turn, is fixedly attached at eitherend of container 188. In addition to piston 192, the propellant meansincludes spring 198, which is under tension, and spring 2110, which isunder compression. Spring 198 is attached to container 18% at one endand the piston 192 at the opposite end. Obviously, spring 198 may beused alone or in combination with spring 2011. Piston 192 is held inplace by cordeau detonant pin 202. Cordeau detonant pin 2112 isoperatively attached to cordeau detonant 204 which leads to the outsideof container 188 and is stretched across the area to be protected.Container 18% is provided with aperture 2114 which is covered byfrangible disc 206. Depending downwardly from container 188, incooperative relationship with aperture 20 1, is distributing disc 208which is freely rotatable on post 2111. Distributing disc 2118 isprovided with appropriate fins 212. In operation, the cordeau detonant2114 burns plug 2112 thereby releasing piston W2. Springs 198 and 2011force piston 192 to the left as shown in the Figure and piston 192applies pressure to fire extinguishing agent 1911. The pressure appliedto fire extinguishing agent 190 ruptures frangible disc 206 and forcesfire extinguishing agent 1% out aperture 204 under pressure. Thepressure of fire extinguishing agent 1911 on distributing disc 2118causes disc Zfifi to rotate as a result of the fire extinguishing agentworking against fins 212 of the distributing disc. As disc 208 rotates,the fire extinguishing agent is distributed over the area to beprotected.

Various other modifications of the present invention would include;pressureresponsive valves or nozzles mounted in the apertures andadapted to open when a predetermined pressure above the pressurenormally on the fire extinguishing agent in the outer container isreached and to spray the fire extinguishing agent through saidapertures, or the diaphram of FIG. 13 can be a cordeau detonant which isconnected to the cordeau detonant stretched across the area to beprotected.

While various embodiments and variations of the present invention havebeen illustrated previously, it is to be understood that the presentinvention is not to be limited to these specific embodiments andvariations but is to be limited only in accordance with the followingclaims.

I claim:

1. An automatic fire extinguishing apparatus, comprising; an outercontainer adapted to be mounted above the area to be protected and tohold a solid, powder-form fire extinguishing agent at essentiallyambient pressure and having aperture means therein adapted to distributeextinguishing agent over said area to be protected; closure meansnormally sealing said aperture means, retaining said extinguishing agentin said outer container and adapted to open when a predeterminedpressure above the pressure normally on said fire extinguishing agent isreached; propellant means within said outer container adapted togenerate a gas pressure on said fire extinguishing agent sufficient toopen said closure means and force said fire extinguishing agent throughsaid aperture when actuated; actuating means within said outercontainer, operatively associated with said propellant means and adaptedto energize said propellant means and cause said propellant means togenerate gas pressure on said fire extinguishing agent; and aflame-responsive cordeau detonant means resistant to spontaneousignition at temperatures normally encountered in said area to beprotected, operatively connected to said actuating means to actuate saidactuating means, and stretched across and above said area to beprotected.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 which additionally includes avented hood mounted above the area to be protected and in which theouter container is mounted in said hood and the cordeau detonant isstretched across said hood.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein the vented hood ismounted above a cooking range.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein the vented hood ismounted above a laboratory bench.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the apparatus isdetachably mounted above the area to be protected.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the closure means is afrangible disc adapted to rupture when a predetermined pressure abovethe pressure normally on the fire extinguishing agent is reached.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the closure means is apressure responsive valve adapted to open when a predetermined pressureabove the pressure normally on the fire extinguishing agent is reached.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the propellant meansincludes a container adapted to hold a pressurized gas.

9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the propellant meansincludes a container adapted to hold a gas generating agent.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein the gas generatingagent is a liquid.

11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein the gas generatingagent is a solid.

12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein the propellantcontainer is divided into two sections,

the two sections contain two different chemical agents which react withone another to generate a gas when mixed and in which the dividerbetween the two sections is ruptured by the actuating means.

13. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein the propellantcontainer is adapted to hold a chemical agent adapted to react with thefire extinguishing agent in the outer container to generate gas.

14. Apparatus in accordance with claim I wherein the propellant means isa section of the outer container separated from the fire extinguishingagent by a divider which can be ruptured by the actuating means.

15. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the propellant meansincludes a container adapted to hold a propellant and the actuatingmeans is a mechanical puncturing means adapted to puncture saidcontainer.

16. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the actuating means isa flammable cordeau detonant closing an opening in a container adaptedto hold the propellant.

17. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the actuating means isan explosive charge closing an opening in a container adapted to holdthe propellant.

18. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the propellant meansincludes a propellant two-section container adapted to hold two separatechemical agents which react to generate a gas, the actuating means isadapted to rupture a divider between said two sections and saidcontainer includes a pressure responsive means adapted to release saidgas into the fire extinguishing agent when a pressure is built up withinsaid propellent container.

19. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the outer container ismounted on the underside of an automobile hood and the cordeau detonantis stretched across the underside of said hood.

20. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 which additionally includes aframe means adapted to be mounted above the area to be protected, theouter container is mounted on said frame, and the cordeau detonant isstretched across said frame.

21. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the outer container isin the form of a Christmas tree ornament adapted to be mounted at thetop of said tree.

22. Apparatus in accordance with claim 21 wherein the cordeau detonantis an ornamental tinsel-type structure adapted to be draped about thetree.

23. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the closure means is apressure-fit cap adapted to be forced off the closure means when apredetermined pressure above the pressure normally on the fireextinguishing agent is reached.

24. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the actuating means isa portion of a cordeau detonant.

25. An automatic fire extinguishing apparatus, comprising; an outercontainer adapted to be mounted above the area to be protected and tohold a solid, powder-form fire extinguishing agent at essentiallyambient pressure and having aperture means therein adapted to distributeextinguishing agent over said area to be protected; closure meansnormally sealing said aperture, retaining said extinguishing agent insaid outer container and adapted to open when a predetermined pressureabove the pressure normally on said fire extinguishing agent is reached;propellant means within said outer container including a piston slidablymounted in said outer container and adapted to displace said fireextinguishing agent from said outer container when pressure is appliedto said piston and pressure means adapted to generate a gas pressure onsaid piston sufficient to open said closure means and force said fireextinguishing agent through said aperture means when actuated; actuatingmeans within said outer container, operatively associated with saidpressure means and adapted to cause said pressure means to generate gaspressure on said piston; and flame-responsive cordeau detonant meansresistant to spontaneous ignition at temperatures normally encounteredin said area to be protected, operatively connected to said actuatingmeans to actuate said actuating means and stretched across and abovesaid area to be protected.

26. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the pressure means isa spring held under compression behind the piston.

27. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the pressure meansincludes a spring under tension attached to the piston means at thefront end thereof.

28. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the pressure meansincludes a spring under compression behind the piston means and a springunder tension attached to the piston means at its forward end.

29. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 which additionally includes avented hood mounted above the area to be protected and in which theouter container is mounted in said hood and the cordeau detonant isstretched across said hood.

30. Apparatus in accordance with claim 29 wherein the vented hood ismounted above a cooking range.

31. Apparatus in accordance with claim 29 wherein the vented hood ismounted above a laboratory bench.

32. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the apparatus isdetachably mounted above the area to be protected.

33. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the closure means is afrangible disc adapted to rupture when a predetermined pressure abovethe pressure normally on the fire extinguishing agent is reached.

34. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 and wherein the closure meansis a pressure responsive valve adapted to open when a predeterminedpressure above the pressure normally on the tire extinguishing agent isreached.

35. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the pressure means isa container adapted to hold a pressurized gas.

36. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the pressure means isa container adapted to hold a gas generating agent.

37. Apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein the gas generatingagent is a liquid.

38. Apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein the gas generatingagent is a solid.

39. Apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein the propellantcontainer is divided into two sections, the two sections contain twodifferent chemical agents which react with one another to generate a gaswhen mixed and in which the divider between the two sections is rupturedby the actuating means.

4!). Apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein the propellantcontainer is adapted to hold a chemical agent adap-ted to react with thetire extinguishing agent in the outer container to generate gas.

41. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the pressure means isa container adapted to hold a propellant and the actuating means is amechanical puncturing means adapted to puncture said container.

42. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the actuating means isa portion of a flammable cordeau detonant.

43. Apparatus in accordance with claim 42 wherein the actuating means isa flammable cordeau detonant closing an opening in a container adaptedto hold the pressure means.

44. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the actuating means isan explosive charge closing an opening in a container adapted to holdthe pressure means.

45. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the pressure meansincludes a two-section, propellant container adapted to hold twoseparate chemical agents which react to generate a gas, the actuatingmeans is adapted to rupture a divider between said two sections and saidpropellant container includes pressure responsive means adapted torelease said gas against the piston when a pressure is built up withinsaid propellant container.

46. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the outer container ismounted on the underside of an automobile hood and the cordeau detonantis stretched across the underside of said hood.

47. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 which additionally includes aframe means adapted to be mounted above the area to be protected, theouter container is mounted on said frame, and the cordeau detonant isstretched across said frame.

d8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the outer container isin the form of a Christmas tree ornament adapted to be mounted at thetop of said tree.

49. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4% wherein the cordeau detonantis an ornamental tinsel-type structure adapted to be draped about thetree.

50. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the closure means is apressure-fit cap adapted to be forced off the closure means when apredetermined pressure above the pressure normally on the fireextinguishing agent is reached.

511. An automatic tire extinguishing apparatus, comprising; an outercontainer adapted to be mounted above the area to be protected and tohold a solid, pow der-form fire extinguishing agent at essentiallyambient pressure and having aperture means therein adapted to distributeextinguishing agent over said area to be protected; frangible, disc-typeclosure means normally retaining said extinguishing agent in said outercontainer, separating said extinguishing agent from said aperture andadapted to rupture when a predetermined pressure above the pressurenormally on said fire extinguishing agent is reached; propellant meanswithin said outer container adapted to generate a gas pressure on saidfire extinguishing agent sufficient to rupture said closure means andforce said fire extinguishing agent through said aperture when actuated;actuating means within said outer container, operatively associated withsaid propellant means and adapted to energize said propellant means andcause said propellant means to generate gas pressure on said fireextinguishing agent; and a flame-responsive cordeau detonant meansresistant to spontaneous ignition at temperatures normally encounteredin said area to be protected, operatively connected to said actuatingmeans to actuate said actuating means, and stretched across and abovesaid area to be protected.

=1 t a Q "4

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 which additionally includes avented hood mounted above the area to be protected and in which theouter container is mounted in said hood and the cordeau detonant isstretched across said hood.
 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2wherein the vented hood is mounted above a cooking range.
 4. Apparatusin accordance with claim 3 wherein the vented hood is mounted above alaboratory bench.
 5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein theapparatus is detachably mounted above the area to be protected. 6.Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wheRein the closure means is afrangible disc adapted to rupture when a predetermined pressure abovethe pressure normally on the fire extinguishing agent is reached. 7.Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the closure means is apressure responsive valve adapted to open when a predetermined pressureabove the pressure normally on the fire extinguishing agent is reached.8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the propellant meansincludes a container adapted to hold a pressurized gas.
 9. Apparatus inaccordance with claim 1 wherein the propellant means includes acontainer adapted to hold a gas generating agent.
 10. Apparatus inaccordance with claim 9 wherein the gas generating agent is a liquid.11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein the gas generatingagent is a solid.
 12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein thepropellant container is divided into two sections, the two sectionscontain two different chemical agents which react with one another togenerate a gas when mixed and in which the divider between the twosections is ruptured by the actuating means.
 13. Apparatus in accordancewith claim 9 wherein the propellant container is adapted to hold achemical agent adapted to react with the fire extinguishing agent in theouter container to generate gas.
 14. Apparatus in accordance with claim1 wherein the propellant means is a section of the outer containerseparated from the fire extinguishing agent by a divider which can beruptured by the actuating means.
 15. Apparatus in accordance with claim1 wherein the propellant means includes a container adapted to hold apropellant and the actuating means is a mechanical puncturing meansadapted to puncture said container.
 16. Apparatus in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the actuating means is a flammable cordeau detonantclosing an opening in a container adapted to hold the propellant. 17.Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the actuating means is anexplosive charge closing an opening in a container adapted to hold thepropellant.
 18. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein thepropellant means includes a propellant two-section container adapted tohold two separate chemical agents which react to generate a gas, theactuating means is adapted to rupture a divider between said twosections and said container includes a pressure responsive means adaptedto release said gas into the fire extinguishing agent when a pressure isbuilt up within said propellent container.
 19. Apparatus in accordancewith claim 1 wherein the outer container is mounted on the underside ofan automobile hood and the cordeau detonant is stretched across theunderside of said hood.
 20. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 whichadditionally includes a frame means adapted to be mounted above the areato be protected, the outer container is mounted on said frame, and thecordeau detonant is stretched across said frame.
 21. Apparatus inaccordance with claim 1 wherein the outer container is in the form of aChristmas tree ornament adapted to be mounted at the top of said tree.22. Apparatus in accordance with claim 21 wherein the cordeau detonantis an ornamental tinsel-type structure adapted to be draped about thetree.
 23. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the closure meansis a pressure-fit cap adapted to be forced off the closure means when apredetermined pressure above the pressure normally on the fireextinguishing agent is reached.
 24. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1wherein the actuating means is a portion of a cordeau detonant.
 25. Anautomatic fire extinguishing apparatus, comprising; an outer containeradapted to be mounted above the area to be protected and to hold asolid, powder-form fire extinguishing agent at essentially ambientpressure and having aperture means therein adapted to distributeextinguishing agent over said area to be protected; closure meansnormally sealing said aperture, retaining said extinguisHing agent insaid outer container and adapted to open when a predetermined pressureabove the pressure normally on said fire extinguishing agent is reached;propellant means within said outer container including a piston slidablymounted in said outer container and adapted to displace said fireextinguishing agent from said outer container when pressure is appliedto said piston and pressure means adapted to generate a gas pressure onsaid piston sufficient to open said closure means and force said fireextinguishing agent through said aperture means when actuated; actuatingmeans within said outer container, operatively associated with saidpressure means and adapted to cause said pressure means to generate gaspressure on said piston; and flame-responsive cordeau detonant meansresistant to spontaneous ignition at temperatures normally encounteredin said area to be protected, operatively connected to said actuatingmeans to actuate said actuating means and stretched across and abovesaid area to be protected.
 26. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25wherein the pressure means is a spring held under compression behind thepiston.
 27. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the pressuremeans includes a spring under tension attached to the piston means atthe front end thereof.
 28. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 whereinthe pressure means includes a spring under compression behind the pistonmeans and a spring under tension attached to the piston means at itsforward end.
 29. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 whichadditionally includes a vented hood mounted above the area to beprotected and in which the outer container is mounted in said hood andthe cordeau detonant is stretched across said hood.
 30. Apparatus inaccordance with claim 29 wherein the vented hood is mounted above acooking range.
 31. Apparatus in accordance with claim 29 wherein thevented hood is mounted above a laboratory bench.
 32. Apparatus inaccordance with claim 25 wherein the apparatus is detachably mountedabove the area to be protected.
 33. Apparatus in accordance with claim25 wherein the closure means is a frangible disc adapted to rupture whena predetermined pressure above the pressure normally on the fireextinguishing agent is reached.
 34. Apparatus in accordance with claim25 and wherein the closure means is a pressure responsive valve adaptedto open when a predetermined pressure above the pressure normally on thefire extinguishing agent is reached.
 35. Apparatus in accordance withclaim 25 wherein the pressure means is a container adapted to hold apressurized gas.
 36. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein thepressure means is a container adapted to hold a gas generating agent.37. Apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein the gas generatingagent is a liquid.
 38. Apparatus in accordance with claim 36 wherein thegas generating agent is a solid.
 39. Apparatus in accordance with claim36 wherein the propellant container is divided into two sections, thetwo sections contain two different chemical agents which react with oneanother to generate a gas when mixed and in which the divider betweenthe two sections is ruptured by the actuating means.
 40. Apparatus inaccordance with claim 36 wherein the propellant container is adapted tohold a chemical agent adap-ted to react with the fire extinguishingagent in the outer container to generate gas.
 41. Apparatus inaccordance with claim 25 wherein the pressure means is a containeradapted to hold a propellant and the actuating means is a mechanicalpuncturing means adapted to puncture said container.
 42. Apparatus inaccordance with claim 25 wherein the actuating means is a portion of aflammable cordeau detonant.
 43. Apparatus in accordance with claim 42wherein the actuating means is a flammable cordeau detonant closing anopening in a container adapted to hold the pressure means.
 44. Apparatusin accordance with claim 25 wherein the actuating means is an explosivecHarge closing an opening in a container adapted to hold the pressuremeans.
 45. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the pressuremeans includes a two-section, propellant container adapted to hold twoseparate chemical agents which react to generate a gas, the actuatingmeans is adapted to rupture a divider between said two sections and saidpropellant container includes pressure responsive means adapted torelease said gas against the piston when a pressure is built up withinsaid propellant container.
 46. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25wherein the outer container is mounted on the underside of an automobilehood and the cordeau detonant is stretched across the underside of saidhood.
 47. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 which additionallyincludes a frame means adapted to be mounted above the area to beprotected, the outer container is mounted on said frame, and the cordeaudetonant is stretched across said frame.
 48. Apparatus in accordancewith claim 25 wherein the outer container is in the form of a Christmastree ornament adapted to be mounted at the top of said tree. 49.Apparatus in accordance with claim 48 wherein the cordeau detonant is anornamental tinsel-type structure adapted to be draped about the tree.50. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein the closure means is apressure-fit cap adapted to be forced off the closure means when apredetermined pressure above the pressure normally on the fireextinguishing agent is reached.
 51. An automatic fire extinguishingapparatus, comprising; an outer container adapted to be mounted abovethe area to be protected and to hold a solid, powder-form fireextinguishing agent at essentially ambient pressure and having aperturemeans therein adapted to distribute extinguishing agent over said areato be protected; frangible, disc-type closure means normally retainingsaid extinguishing agent in said outer container, separating saidextinguishing agent from said aperture and adapted to rupture when apredetermined pressure above the pressure normally on said fireextinguishing agent is reached; propellant means within said outercontainer adapted to generate a gas pressure on said fire extinguishingagent sufficient to rupture said closure means and force said fireextinguishing agent through said aperture when actuated; actuating meanswithin said outer container, operatively associated with said propellantmeans and adapted to energize said propellant means and cause saidpropellant means to generate gas pressure on said fire extinguishingagent; and a flame-responsive cordeau detonant means resistant tospontaneous ignition at temperatures normally encountered in said areato be protected, operatively connected to said actuating means toactuate said actuating means, and stretched across and above said areato be protected.